Dongria Kondh Community

Dongria Kondh Community

Prelims:

Indian Society & Tribes, Geography, Environment & Ecology

Mains:

GS Paper I – Indian Society, GS Paper II – Governance, GS Paper III – Environment

current relevance:

Recently, the Dongria Kondh tribe has drawn attention following developments concerning the environmental conservation of the Niyamgiri Hills and the safeguarding of tribal land and forest rights. 

About Dongria kondh tribal community:

1.         The Dongria Kondh are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) residing in the Niyamgiri Hills of Rayagada and Kalahandi districts of Odisha.

2.       The Dongria Kondhs are a sub-group of the larger Kondh tribe and primarily speak the Kui language.

3.       They are known as the “Guardians of the Niyamgiri Hills” due to their close association with the forest ecosystem.

4.       Religious Belief: Niyam Raja (Lord of the Niyamgiri Hills) is their principal deity.

5.       Economy and Livelihood:

           I.            Primarily depend on horticulture.

          II.            Practice traditional Podu (shifting) cultivation on hill slopes.

        III.            Rely extensively on Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFPs) including honey, tamarind, medicinal plants, and bamboo-based products.

Source: THE HINDU-https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/dongria-kondh-of-niyamgiri-where-forests-food-and-faith-shape-daily-life/article71112627.ece